S1:07: Dispatch Log: Preparedness with a Guide Dog, The Michael Hingson Story

Show Notes

Code Orange host Marty Sobo and producer Jonathan Price talk with Michael Hingson about emergency readiness for blind and low-vision listeners. Hingson recounts evacuating the World Trade Center on 9/11 with his guide dog Roselle and extracts practical lessons: map environments in advance, build two-way trust with your guide dog, control fear, and practice intelligent disobedience. The episode covers first-30-seconds decision-making, travel in unfamiliar buildings, ally etiquette, and go-to tools for staying oriented and safe.

Contact Info
Guest / Resources
Michael Hingson — Speaker & Author
Email: [e-mail]
Podcast: Unstoppable Mindset
Books: Thunder Dog, Running with Roselle, Live Like a Guide Dog

Aftersight
Website: www.aftersight.org
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
Producer Credits
Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight — [e-mail]

, [phone] Show Credits
Show: Code Orange — Emergency Preparedness for the Blind Community
Host: Marty Sobo
Guest: Michael Hingson
Voiceover / Producer: Jonathan Price
Network: Aftersight

Chapter Markers
00:01 — Cold open and show intro
00:28 — Host–producer banter
01:15 — Guest intro: who is Michael Hingson
02:28 — 9/11 context: 78th floor with Roselle
04:56 — Preparation mindset and building knowledge
07:22 — Stairwell evacuation and keeping order
09:45 — Fear control and calm signaling to the dog
12:08 — Learn your environment; don’t rely on signs
14:24 — Guide dog training vs rote routing
16:48 — Team trust and intelligent disobedience
19:11 — Handling triggers; praise to keep guiding
21:35 — One-time buildings: what to ask and note
24:00 — Practical tips for sighted allies
26:11 — Cane and dog share the same principles
28:32 — Asking for help to gain information
30:58 — Intelligent disobedience at crossings
33:21 — First 30 seconds checklist on impact
38:01 — Books and Unstoppable Mindset
40:19 — How to contact Michael
41:30 — Aftersight contacts and close

What is Code Orange?

Code Orange is the disability-inclusive guide to emergency preparedness for the blind and low-vision community. Hosted by Marty Sobo, each episode turns fear into a plan: clear steps, practical checklists, and real-world stories from first responders, emergency managers, technologists, and blind advocates who’ve lived it. No hype—just what to do before, during, and after a crisis.

We cover evacuation and shelter-in-place, communication trees, accessible alerts, power and tech backups, mobility and wayfinding, medication and medical files, pets and service animals, travel, and community-level advocacy—so you’re not just prepared, you’re leading. Expect plain language, actionable takeaways you can use today, and links to resources you can share with family, neighbors, and local agencies.

Code Orange is an Aftersight Original.
Host: Marty Sobo
Producer: Jonathan Price
Feedback & questions: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]